Sant Eknath Maharaj Palkhi Sohala 2026, the procession of Sant Eknath Maharaj Palkhi in 2026..
The Sant Eknath Maharaj Palkhi Sohala is a revered annual pilgrimage (Wari) where the padukas of Sant Eknath are carried from his resting place in Paithan to Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Ekadashi festival.
Here are the key details for the Sant Eknath Maharaj Palkhi in 2026:
Important Dates and Route
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Departure Date: The Palkhi is scheduled to depart on July 7, 2026.
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Tithi: This date corresponds to the Hindu tithi of Jyeshtha Vadya Saptami.
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Journey Duration: The sacred procession will travel from July 7 and is expected to reach Pandharpur on July 24, 2026.
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Departure Location: The pilgrimage begins from the Nath temple area (specifically from the Nath Ota located on the banks of the Godavari River) in Paithan.
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Route: On its way to Pandharpur, the procession travels through the districts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, and Dharashiv. The Palkhi will enter the Ahilyanagar district on July 8, 2026.
The Grand Silver Chariot
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The sacred padukas of Sant Eknath Maharaj will be carried in a magnificent chariot made with 120 kg of pure silver.
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The chariot is constructed using 110 cubic feet of intricately carved teak wood, which forms the base for the heavy silver cladding.
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The labor and crafting cost for this silver chariot alone was 21 lakh rupees.
Administrative and Civic Arrangements
To ensure a safe and smooth journey for the thousands of Warkaris (pilgrims) walking this route, the district administration has made extensive preparations:
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Facilities: The authorities are setting up waterproof tents to protect the devotees from the monsoon rains. They are also ensuring the provision of drinking water and have appointed ‘Nodal Officers’ for better coordination.
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Sanitation: Hundreds of mobile toilets and separate bathrooms for women are being deployed along the route. Specifically for the Sant Eknath Palkhi, 200 mobile toilets have been allocated.
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Healthcare: Dedicated medical teams, fully stocked with essential medicines and injections, will accompany the Palkhi to handle emergencies.
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Electricity & Fuel: The local electricity department (Mahavitaran) has been strictly instructed to avoid load shedding and provide uninterrupted power at the overnight halt villages. Additionally, adequate gas and diesel supplies are being arranged for cooking purposes along the journey.